Baked Feta Cheese Pasta Recipe
Baked Feta Cheese Pasta Recipe is a easy Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by FunFoods on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $7.07 total, $1.77 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 7 oz Feta Cheese (block, full‑fat, crumbled later)
- 2 cup Cherry Tomatoes (whole, halved optional for extra sauce)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Salt (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder + pinch salt)
- 12 oz Pasta (any shape, such as penne or fusilli)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and let it preheat while you prepare the dish.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Arrange Ingredients in Baking Dish
Drizzle 1/8–1/4 cup olive oil into a casserole dish. Place the feta block in the center, then surround it with the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle salt and garlic salt.
Time: PT5M
Bake Feta and Tomatoes
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the feta is soft and the tomatoes have burst and begun to caramelize.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 400°F
Cook Pasta
While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions (about 10 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain Pasta
When the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Mash Feta and Tomatoes
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms.
Time: PT2M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the feta‑tomato sauce.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Plate the pasta while hot and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Feta Cheese: goat cheese, cotija cheese
- Instead of Cherry Tomatoes: grape tomatoes, diced canned tomatoes
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Garlic Salt: garlic powder, garlic granules
- Instead of Pasta: gluten‑free pasta, zucchini noodles
Equipment Needed
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Measuring Cup
- Fork or Wooden Spoon
- Timer
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 400°F
- Bake the feta block and cherry tomatoes for 30 minutes
- Mash the baked feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality, creamy feta for the best texture.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes for a richer sauce and quicker caramelization.
- Add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Troubleshooting
Feta did not melt and remained firm.
Increase baking time by 5‑10 minutes or raise the oven temperature to 425°F; ensure the feta block is not too thick.
Cherry tomatoes burned or became too dry.
Cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking or reduce olive oil drizzle.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package suggests) and rinse briefly with cold water before draining.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of feta changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour after cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the feta and tomatoes up to 2 hours ahead; keep the dish covered and reheat briefly before mixing with pasta.
- Cook the pasta ahead, toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and reheat in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of feta cheese in Mediterranean cuisine?
Feta is a staple of Greek and broader Mediterranean cooking, traditionally made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It adds a salty, tangy flavor to salads, pastries, and baked dishes, reflecting the region’s reliance on simple, high‑quality dairy products.
What are traditional regional variations of baked feta pasta in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Greece, baked feta is often paired with olives and oregano, while in Italy similar baked cheese dishes include ricotta with tomatoes. Some variations add spinach, roasted red peppers, or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
How is baked feta pasta traditionally served in Greek or Italian households?
It is usually served hot, directly from the baking dish, with a garnish of fresh herbs such as basil or oregano and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. It can be accompanied by a simple green salad and crusty bread.
What occasions or celebrations is baked feta pasta associated with in Mediterranean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, baked feta pasta is a popular quick‑weeknight meal and is also served at casual gatherings, picnics, and family brunches because it requires minimal prep and can be made in one dish.
How does baked feta pasta fit into the broader Mediterranean cuisine tradition?
The dish embodies Mediterranean principles: simple ingredients, olive oil as the primary fat, fresh vegetables, and a focus on dairy that provides protein and flavor without heavy sauces.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for baked feta pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include full‑fat feta, extra‑virgin olive oil, and ripe cherry tomatoes. Substitutes can be goat cheese or cotija for feta, vegetable oil for olive oil, and grape tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with baked feta pasta?
Pair it with a Greek salad, roasted eggplant dip (melitzanosalata), or grilled lemon‑herb chicken for a more substantial meal.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making baked feta pasta?
Avoid over‑baking the feta, which can become rubbery, and prevent the tomatoes from burning by monitoring the oven and adding a foil cover if needed. Also, do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key.
Why does this recipe bake the feta instead of simply melting it on the stovetop?
Baking the feta with tomatoes creates a caramelized, slightly smoky flavor and a naturally creamy sauce without the need for added cream or butter, keeping the dish light and authentic to Mediterranean cooking.
Can I make baked feta pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can bake the feta and tomatoes up to two hours in advance, keep them covered, and reheat before mixing with freshly cooked pasta. Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.
What does the YouTube channel FunFoods specialize in?
The YouTube channel FunFoods focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that highlight trending recipes, simple techniques, and budget‑friendly meals for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel FunFoods' approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
FunFoods emphasizes minimal‑ingredient, one‑pan dishes that capture the essence of Mediterranean flavors while keeping prep time under 30 minutes, unlike many channels that use more elaborate techniques or extensive ingredient lists.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
